“The inspiration for this polish is a piece titled Inrō with Bird on a Blossoming Plum Tree, by Koma Yasutada. An inrō is a small case that was generally worn suspended from an obi. This particular inrō is lacquered a rich brown, and has a design of branches with plum blossoms done in maki-e. I was introduced to maki-e and raden through fountain pens and fell in love, so I was hoping to find a famous art piece that made use of one or both for my inspiration for April!”

Maki-e makes use of lacquer and powdered metal, building up in layers. Designs are made in lacquer, powdered metal is sprinkled over the lacquer and sticks to it, and designs are built up in multiple layers and multiple applications of lacquer and powder, sometimes with the entire piece being lacquered between steps. There are a number of maki-e techniques, some simpler and some much more complex. Raden uses very thin mother of pearl, in strips, flakes, or shapes cut from sheets or strips.  

Starlight Polish
 Branches and Blossoms in Maki-e

Branches and Blossoms in Maki-e is described as a rich brown jelly with gold, silver, and red shimmer. This is such a gorgeous rich brown! My swatches show 3 thin coats followed by glossy top coat. No formula problems, it applied effortlessly and reaches full opacity easily in 3 thin coats or 2 medium thick coats.

Nail Art

For my nail art I used UberChic Plate Welcome Spring. I stamped the branches in Essie Penny Talk, and the blooms in Sally Hansen Crayola Wisteria. I added in the black dots and finished it off with a coat of Pure Ice Matte Top Coat. Funny enough I did this art before I looked at the inspiration for this polish. 

Branches and Blossoms in Maki-e will only be available through The Polish Pickup Friday, April 5th at 11am EST through Monday, April 8th at 11:59pm EST. It will retail for $12.00 and is capped at 200 on the US site and 10 on the UK site.

Shipping is a flat rate of $3 for anywhere in the US and $5 for anywhere in Canada no matter how many polishes you buy. For more information on The Polish Pickup check out their website, I also recommend joining their Facebook Group here to submit your theme ideas, vote for your favorite theme and purchase your favorites!

For more information on Starlight Polish check out the links below.